I. ˈbench-ˌmärk noun
Date: circa 1842
1. usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object indicating elevation and serving as a reference in topographic surveys and tidal observations
2.
a. : a point of reference from which measurements may be made
b. : something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged
c. : a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)
II. transitive verb
Date: 1972
: to study (as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company